As per a local media report, the EU had 229 million women and 220 million men on January 1, 2024. This equates to a ratio of 104.4 women per 100 men, indicating that there were 4.4% more women than men.
With the exception of Malta, Sweden, Luxembourg, and Slovenia, all EU countries had more women than men. Latvia had the greatest ratio of all, with 15.5% more women than men, more than three times the average rate in the European Union.
The shortage is particularly pronounced among seniors – those over the age of 65 – where there are twice as many women as men, as per a report by the World Atlas. “This discrepancy after the age of 65 is a result of poor male health, with men having a much lower life expectancy,” the report added.
This demographic disparity is felt across daily life, from workplaces to social interactions.
According to Dania, 29, who is single and works at festivals, 98% of her colleagues are women. “There’s nothing wrong with that… but just for the good balance, you would want to have some more men to flirt or chat with. It’s just more interesting,” she was quoted as saying by The Sun.
“That’s why all my friends have gone abroad and found boyfriends there,” her friend Zane added.
To fill the gap, platforms like Komanda24 and
Remontdarbi.lv have emerged. Komanda24 is offering ‘Men With Golden Hands’ who handle tasks like plumbing, carpentry, and TV mounting across the country for a few Euros, all without any awkward pickup lines or dates, reported The New York Post.
Meanwhile, Remontdarbi.lv allows women to hire a ‘husband for an hour’ online or by phone, and they will arrive within an hour.
Experts attribute the gender imbalance to men’s lower life expectancy, driven by ill health and lifestyle choices.
“Men are about three times more likely to smoke, with 31% of the male population smoking compared to just 10% of the female population. Men are also slightly more likely to be obese or overweight, with 62% of men being overweight or obese compared to 57% of women,” according to the World Atlas.
As a result, Latvian women are finding creative solutions to manage their households and daily lives.
How to migrate to Latvia
Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene, this country is becoming an increasingly popular destination. Latvia welcomes both EU and non-EU citizens, although the process differs. EU/EEA individuals benefit from simpler procedures, whereas non-EU citizens must meet particular visa criteria.
To move to Latvia as an EU citizen, you can live, work, or study freely without a visa, but must register your address with local authorities and apply for a residence certificate if staying over 90 days.
For non-EU citizens, moving requires a specific visa or residence permit to live in Latvia which depends on your purpose for moving. A Latvia Golden Visa also allows international citizens to seek residency in the country by investing.
